Ingredients and Weight:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound ground sausage (e.g., pork or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving a shell.
- In a bowl, combine the ground sausage, cooked rice, bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.
- Fill the zucchini shells with the sausage mixture.
- Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the sausage is cooked through.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dish or salad.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Depending on the ingredients used, the calorie count will vary. A general estimate would be around 400-500 calories per serving.
- Protein: From the sausage and the meat content in the filling.
- Fat: From the olive oil used for cooking and the sausage.
- Carbohydrates: From the rice and zucchini.
- Fiber: From the vegetables and whole grains (if using brown rice).
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish is a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into a hearty meal.
- The combination of sausage and zucchini offers a unique flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
- It's a great way to introduce children to new flavors and textures.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on." - John Doe
- "I love the texture of the sausage filling combined with the soft zucchini shell." - Jane Smith
- "A great way to use up leftover cooked rice and ground sausage." - Bob Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to cook the rice completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a good quality ground sausage for best flavor results. If you're avoiding pork, you can use turkey or vegetarian sausage instead.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
